POLITICS: Money matters for college students

If you’re looking for more than just the headlines, you’ve come to the right place.

Welcome to the first Daily News Politics Column. Here, you’ll find the tidbits of what local and state lawmakers and candidates are up to, from fundraiser announcements to legislation.

Have an idea to add? Drop me a line: cgavin@wickedlocal.com.

Fattman focuses on college costs

Republican state Sen. Ryan Fattman, of Sutton, recently filed a bill aimed at helping students get a better understanding of the financial aid, and debt, that may be ahead for them in their college years and beyond.

“As a millennial with college debt, I understand how student loans are handicapping an entire generation. We need to make sure students attending college have the full financial picture while obtaining their degree,” Fattman, who represents the Worcester and Norfolk district, said in a statement.

The “Student Know Before You Go Program” would require state universities to post data outlining the number of students who receive financial aid for school; the number of those who transfer out of a school; and the average amount of federal loan debt students take on.

Fattman also announced upcoming office hours in the Milford area, including on Feb. 27 at the Milford Town Library, 80 Spruce St., from 4 to 5 p.m. and on March 5 at the Mendon Muffin House Cafe, 32 Hastings St. in Mendon, from 10 to 11 a.m.

Merolli hits the campaign trail

With less than eight months until state primaries, Democrat Tom Merolli, Mendon’s assistant treasurer collector and Economic Development Committee chairman, is off and running on the campaign trail in his bid for Fattman’s seat.

The 27-year-old met with the Milford Democratic Town Committee last week after formally launching his bid earlier this month at Milford’s Craftroots Brewing.

After making his way around the district - which spans from Douglas to Bellingham and Northbridge to Millville - over the last few weeks, Merolli’s campaign announced an official fundraiser next month, Feb. 24, in Southbridge.

The event will be held at the Starlite Art Gallery, 39 Hamilton St., Southbridge, from 5 to 9 p.m., according to the campaign's Facebook page.

Democrats eyeing Tsongas’ seat to meet in Hudson

Since the announcement that U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas, D-Lowell, will not seek reelection for her 3rd Congressional District seat, 13 fellow Democrats have come forward with hopes of filling the vacancy.

They’re all set to meet Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Hudson Portuguese Club - 13 Port St. in Hudson - for a forum hosted by the Hudson and Maynard Democratic town committees and the Marlborough Democratic City Committee, organizers said. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The forum will be split into two parts; the first featuring questions from a moderator and the second using questions submitted by audience members. Other questions will come from the Advanced Placement government class at Hudson High School.

A memoriam for Mercandetti

The state Senate paid tribute to the memory of Stephanie Mercandetti, 42, Medway’s director of economic development and a Framingham Planning Board member who passed away Jan. 14 from cancer.

Mercandetti, once praised as a political science student by former Gov. Michael Dukakis, was remembered as a passionate public servant whose career took her from the office of former state Sen. David Magnani to planning departments across Massachusetts.

State Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, spoke about Mercandetti upon motioning that the Senate adjourn in her memory Thursday.

“She was unique in her ability to bring people together, to animate lively discussions around planning and development and to effect positive change in the communities in which she worked.”

Christopher Gavin covers social movements and politics and the towns of Milford and Hopedale for the Daily News. He can be reached at 508 634-7582 or cgavin@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @c_gavinMDN